Blood Drive To Honor Guthrie Student Who Died Of Enlarged Heart

Family members and friends say his memory will continue to have an impact on his community, as they host the "Ty Nichols Memorial Blood Drive."

GUTHRIE, Oklahoma -

A blood drive will be hosted on Thursday to honor a former Guthrie High School student who died of an enlarged heart.

Ty Nichols, who was a sophomore at the Guthrie High School, died of an enlarged heart nearly five years ago. Family members and friends say his memory will continue to have an impact on his community, as they host the "Ty Nichols Memorial Blood Drive."

"The response from our community to Ty's memorial drive has been overwhelming," said Tonya Nichols, Ty's mother. "We miss Ty, but are so grateful that Guthrie residents join us to remember him and do something good for others at the same time."

Ty's Drive will take place from 12 to 6 p.m. Thursday at the First Southern Baptist Church, Life Center, located at 205 E. Noble in Guthrie.

"The American Red Cross is honored be part of this annual special celebration of Ty's life," said Janienne Bella, CEO, Central and Western American Red Cross Regional Chapter. "We invite the community to remember this great young man and help someone else as well."

For more information about this blood drive, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org.

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.